Hired In Plant and liability insurance for all hire companies and Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) members.
Whether you're hiring out heavy machinery or smaller tools, we can offer comprehensive, all-risks cover designed around you. Insurance is available on both an annual or temporary basis.
Backed by specialist insurers and in-depth industry expertise, we offer exclusive, cost-effective insurance that protect your business and equipment – whether on-site, in transit, or stored in your yard – covering you against any risks like damage or theft.
Our team is on hand to provide support whenever you need it, helping you get the right level of cover without unnecessary extras.
We typically work with many businesses in the following sectors
- Mobile Crane hire insurance
- Contract lifting insurance
- Digger Hire insurance
- Tool Hire insurance
- Hired In / Hired Out Plant insurance
- Heavy Excavator hire insurance
- Cherry Picker hire insurance
- Scissor lift hire insurance
Highlights
- Flexible Cover Limits
- Long-term or short-term insurance policies available
- Expert support from your dedicated Broker
- Tailored Plant hire and Own-plant insurance solutions available
in association with:
Why Growing £2m+ Businesses Switch to Townsend McCormack
Plant hire operators often leave generalist brokers after slow responses on new kit, weak claims support, or cover that doesn't match CPA and hire-contract requirements.
Specialist plant risks, properly understood
Own plant, hired-in plant, continuing hire charges and yard/site exposures — arranged by brokers who work in this market every day.
A dedicated real person — not a call centre
Direct access to a UK account manager who knows your fleet and hire model, so urgent additions don't get stuck in a queue.
Fast responses for new machinery
Need cover on a new excavator, telehandler or crane before it leaves the yard? We arrange amendments quickly — often same day.
Proactive claims handling
We negotiate with insurers on theft, damage and liability claims and stay involved until you're back earning hire income.
A long-term relationship as you grow
As fleet values and turnover rise, we reshape limits and programmes with you rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all policy.
Transparent pricing
Clear terms on what is covered, what security conditions apply, and what you'll pay — without jargon or surprise add-ons.
How We Deliver Better Cover & Service
Built for plant hire and contracting businesses that need agile cover and hands-on support.
Fast & agile
Same-day cover is often possible for new plant and machinery so hires and contracts aren't delayed.
Proactive claims team
We deal directly with insurers, push for fair settlements, and keep you informed throughout.
Tailored programmes that grow with you
Annual or temporary cover, flexible limits, and programmes shaped around how your fleet is hired, stored and transported.
Quality first
Strong insurer relationships help us secure competitive terms with markets that understand plant hire risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hired-In Plant Insurance is an All Risks policy designed to cover unforeseen loss or damage to construction plant and machinery that your business hires from a plant hire company. This specialist cover protects contractors and plant hire companies across the UK against financial liability if hired equipment is damaged, lost or stolen while in their care, custody or control. It protects against: • Theft of plant (especially high-risk items like mini diggers & telehandlers) • Accidental damage • Road risks (where applicable) • Public liability claims • Employers' liability • Hired-in plant exposure • Loss of hire income Without adequate hired-in plant insurance, your business remains responsible for the total cost of the machinery, which could run into tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.
A comprehensive plant hire insurance policy in the UK may include: • Own Plant Insurance – Cover for your company-owned machinery • Hired In Plant Insurance – Cover for equipment you hire from others • Plant on Hire Insurance – Protection while machinery is out with customers • Public Liability Insurance – Injury or property damage claims • Employers' Liability Insurance – A legal requirement in the UK • Road Risk Insurance – For plant driven on public roads • Tools and Equipment Cover • Business Interruption Cover levels depend on your turnover, fleet value, and whether you operate nationwide or locally.
This depends on your individual situation such as business size, total value of your plant and machinery, type of plant insured and risk profile. For example, forklift insurance costs will vary depending on whether you own the forklift or hire it in, its replacement value, and whether it is used on public roads (where road traffic cover is legally required).
Even small or start-up plant hire businesses in the UK should consider: Public Liability insurance protects you if your work harms members of the public. Employers' Liability (if you employ staff) protects you if your staff become ill or injured at work. Own Plant Insurance covers plant and machinery that your business owns. It protects against theft, vandalism and accidental damage. Hired In Plant Cover protects machinery you hire from another company. This cover protects your business from paying the full replacement cost if hired in equipment is damaged, stolen or written off. Tools Insurance protects tools from loss, damage, or theft.
Yes, but only if security conditions are met. Plant theft is one of the biggest risks facing UK plant hire companies, with losses estimated at around £100 million per year and thefts rising sharply since 2020. If these conditions aren't followed, a theft claim could be reduced or even declined, so compliance is critical for plant hire businesses operating across the UK.
Get in touch to find out more
Request a quote online or speak to our team — we arrange cover with specialist insurers who understand plant hire risk.
